Rawalpindi wicket similar to that of Karachi: Babar Azam

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam on Wednesday said that the wicket at Pindi Stadium for the second Test against South Africa is similar to the one they played in Karachi.

Talking to media via an online conference ahead of the final Test, the 26-year-old said that the team is ready for their next encounter. “Our preparation is really good, we had good net sessions and players look in good touch,” he said. “The team has a lot of confidence after the first victory. We’ll try and continue to play the same.”

Regarding any changes in the playing eleven, Babar hinted they will retain the winning team combination unless conditions force them otherwise. The batsman said that the team will be finalized looking at conditions on the morning of match day.

“The wicket look similar to that of Karachi but conditions at Pindi Stadium have always been different so we will finalize the team after looking at weather,” he said. “I don’t think four seamers will play but anything is possible. We’ll go with a combination that’s best for the team.”

The newly appointed captain said that he enjoyed the additional responsibility in the first Test and there was no pressure on him. “I’ve really enjoyed it [captaincy]. The boy supported me a lot and we never really got easy in the match. When team supports you, it becomes easy to lead,” Babar said.

The player also mentioned that he will miss the crowd in Rawalpindi where he scored two centuries in two matches. “They have always supported me. I still remember the cheer they gave me last time I was here. It’s such a confidence boost when your home crowd backs you,” he said.

Babar hit his last Test century in the same venue against Bangladesh a year ago when the batsman scored 143, his career best, to lead the team to an innings victory. He was confident to resume his good performances there.

“I will definitely try to do well and contribute to team’s benefit. Individual performances matter only when the team wins so I’ll try to work on that.”

Pakistan will take on South Africa with a 1-0 lead for the second and final Test at Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi tomorrow. 

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